Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Well here we are people a new chapter and with it the end of the Ryloth Arc, or is it? I won't be giving much on spoilers but let's just say that we're about to see the power of a Dark Falz. Now then let's get started my faithful readers.
(Start Cliff Side Ryloth)
Republic Walkers were being fired upon by Droid forces as it was clear these Droid have brought tanks of their own. As the Tanks continued to walk the path they returned fire against the Droid as they tried to keep the Republic from continuing their advance on the Capital City of Lessu. Just then during the march the Tank managed to hit one of the front walkers stalling it and leaving it vulnerable. With a few more hits the tank was downed as its legs gave out under it.
From the fallen Walkers hatch the ARK's Operatives came out as it was the rare team of four this time around. Following it up was Mace Windu as the group of five came out of the fallen walker to provide aid to the troops. "Move get to cover now!" Zed called out as he ran over with Zinnia, Reika, and Garron to cover.
Garron growled as he glared at the Droid forces firing on the. "These assholes area really starting to piss me off!" Garron roared in fury as he got to cover.
"Well if you want to let them know we need to get pass that downed walker!" Zed called out as he knew his Gunblade didn't have the range needed to make the shot at the Droids across the ridge. Mace in turn went over to the walker's cockpit and used the force to shatter the Glass to pull the Clone out.
Nearby Reika went over to Windu who brought in a downed Clone and began healing him with her wand pointed at him. As she did this the Clone was covered by an emerald green aura which was healing any visible wounds. Nearby Zinnia was using her rod to form a protective aura around them as she tried to hold her ground with the move.
"This one will be fine for now but we need to keep him under cover till I can handle the rest." Reika said as she helped the Trooper get to a sitting position.
"Good." Windu said before he went to his Commander knowing they needed to get up there to handle the handle the Droids.
"We're pinned down here!" Zed called out as the Commander assigned to Windu arrived.
"Commander, bring out the Lightning Squadron!" Mace ordered and thus the Clone Commander did as told.
"I want lightning up here now!" He ordered knowing they needed the aid right now. From one of the rear Walkers mini walkers were seen with Clones riding on them.
Acting fast Reika took command as the on sight medic to heal the injured. "Get the Injured to Reika I'm going to clear the road!" Windu ordered knowing they had a medic who will help.
"Zinnia and I will cover you!" Zed called out to which Mace nodded in understanding.
"Understood." Mace said with a nod before he got to work. Once Windu got to the tank he channeled the Force and in turn managed to push the trashed walker off the ledge clearing the path on the road. Once this was done the Clones returned fire to the Droid army while the Newman Techer tended to the injured.
Just then the Falspawn began to move in making the ARK's operatives go wide eyed to it. "Falspawn!" Zed called out and thus Garron roared and began to attack the Falspawn using his knuckle weapons to do some physical damage to them. The way he slammed his fists into them showed that he had a lot of strength in him. During this Zed jumped over him and slashed a Falspawn with his gunblade before spinning over the beaten one and shooting another in the face.
With the area clear of the Falspawn Lightning squad arrived as one of the riders looked to Windu. "He's all yours, general." The Clone said as he then got off and handed the rider to the Jedi Master.
Once that was done Windu was ready to move out and deal with the tanks attacking them. "We'll lead the way commander." Windu said and thus they were off leaving Garron and Zed behind with the other troopers.
"Zinnia stay behind!" Zed called out as Zinnia nodded.
"You too Reika!" Garron growled and thus the two headed out to help handle the Falspawn. As Lightning Squadron was on the move the two ARK's operatives began to slash, shoot, and punch their way through the Falspawn that began attacking. They continued their advance and found more Falspawn getting in their way. Windu being aware of the problem this posed got ready only to find something else hitting it. Looking behind them Mace and the Clones saw Zed, Reika, and Zinnia firing weapons and sending off techniques at the Falspawn to clear Lighting Squadrons way.
"You got this General Windu we'll provide cover!" Zed called out as he fired upon the Droids to keep their aim off of the Jedi and the Lightning Squad Clones.
They continued their move forward and in turn were getting closer to the Battle Droids. The battle Droids saw this realized they had to act fast or they would be meeting a grizzly end via a lightsaber to the face. "Now that Jedi is leading the attack." A battle Droid reported as they saw Mace Windu and his troopers approaching through his binoculars.
"Concentrate all your fire on those walkers!" The Droid Commander said as he looked to his subordinate.
"Roger-Roger." The droid responded and thus they began to fire down on the Jedi and the Clones. But alas they were quickly disposed of as were the droids in command by the speed riding clones. The other Droids were about to open fire on them when a savage roar was heard as from above Garron came flying down with his fists reeled back ready to attack. Once he hit the Droid he began to smash his fists into the other ones doing as much damage as he could to them.
Thanks' to Garrons recklessness and unhealthy obsession with fighting this gave Mace Windu and Lightning Squad time to get rid of the remaining droid blockade. More Falspawn joined the fight of course but thankfully ARK's operatives came in and provided aid to them and made quick work of the Falspawn. Zed and his remaining party members came in and let loose their attacks on the Falspawn and in turn managed to force them to run away not until Garron roared.
"Come back here!" Garron roared out and grabbed two Falspawn and slammed them into each other before stomping one down. Once he had it pinned he proceeded to begin tearing it in two. He roared out with struggle before the Falspawn found itself torn in half by Garron who then roared in fury clearly wanting more to come at him.
"Garron that's enough they're beaten." Reika called out as Garron looked ready to fight but then huffed and let it be for the time being.
Once the battle ended for the time being Windu dismounted his Walker and proceeded to approach his Clone Commander. "How many men did we lose?" Mace asked to which Commander Pong had the answer for that one.
"Nearly fifteen, the command crews of three walkers." He said to which that was a heavy toll of them. "Plus that's not including the ARK's Operatives who fell in battle to protect us." Pongs added to which Mace knew of those brave few who risked their lives for the Jedi and the Clone Troopers. Mace Windu knew enough that ARK's and its technological advancements were great, but their heroism is what made him try and keep them from using themselves as shields to protect his men. Especially as the people needed to see this level of heroism in the face of tyranny to truly believe in ARK's goals.
"The good news is General Kenobi's broken their lines with the aid of ARK's operatives. Those same Operatives are staying behind to make sure that the citizens are being protected until they can get back on their feet again. We have a clear path straight to the capital now." Ponds added, trying to bring some hope to this situation.
"This battle was costly." Mace Windu told him, remembering how many ARK's Operatives were permitted to join them on this invasion liberation mission to free Ryloth. He looked back as Reika was treating Zed and Garron for any injuries they may have sustained during the fight. Nearby Zinnia was contacting ARK's to retrieve the injured and do a head count of those currently deemed as K.I.A or Killed in Action.
"We're gonna need help to take the city." Mace said as he knew both ARK's and Republic Troops alone weren't enough help to take out both the Falspawn and the Droids.
"From who sir?" Ponds asked, confused as to who would be available to provide them with aid.
"General." Zed said as he walked over while rolling his shoulder a bit. "Got word from Zinnia and Reika the F-Factor in the Troopers are cleared up." Zed said to which Mace nodded to this.
"Good work." Mace said knowing enough that the F-Factor infection would drive the troopers mad if not careful. But then Zed looked over to Garron as he was clearly looking agitated right now. "Worried for your friend I see." Mace said as he put two and two together.
"Yes… I'm worried he may get a bit too reckless which would be a problem for all of us." Zed said knowing that Garron had a bit of a chip to deal with about himself.
"Understandable." Mace said as he was suspicious of Garron knowing something as violent and battle crazed as he was could be a liability to them.
"Anyway we've been doing scans on the planet and we've narrowed down a strong Dark Falz Signal at the capital city." Zed said and thus Mace knew what this meant.
"A Dark Falz, if we can defeat it and capture it we may find an edge." Mace said to which Zed was suspicious of this.
"Assuming that Persona doesn't pull a portal trick on us." Zed said knowing that Persona has had a nasty habit of doing such things lately. Mace had read the report of Anakin and Obi-Wan's confrontation with Elder back on Ryloth. He also read the part that Persona opened a portal of sorts to grab Elder and escape from the battle. The Jedi Master found Zed's worry of such things to be well founded for them.
Zed was also worried that Garron would walk down the same path as Gettemnhult did in PSO2 when he became Dark Falz Elder's new vessel. It was why Zed made sure to keep a close eye on his friend in hopes that he can pull him out in case he goes off the deep end. Hopefully it won't happen this time around but one can never be too careful with such things in this situation. Regardless Zed got his mind to focus on the task at hand since they still had a planet to liberate. But unknown to any of them the recon droid had caught wind of the entire conversation and the prior battle.
(Meanwhile at the Capital City)
After witnessing the recon droid's transmission on the republic forces that had engaged their border patrol, Emir Wat Tambor looked to his Tactical Droid with concern. "The Republic is advancing faster than I expected." Emir said as he looked to the Droid TA-175.
"I calculate they will reach the main gates by morning. Midnight if they utilize ARK's transportation Units." The Droid said as he looked to his master. "I recommend we prepare our retreat." The Droid said knowing when the battle was lost to them.
Wat Tambor disagreed on this as he was clearly intent on keeping control of this planet for as long as possible. "I will not retreat!" Wat Tambor responded to his Droids suggested strategy here. Emir then looked out to the Droids and Falspawn patrolling around the capitol city's walls as well as those stationed around the spit of land that held his command center before giving his next order. "Bring our units inside the walls and secure the bridge." He ordered and thus he looked to a seat nearby.
On the seat Elder was seen clearly glaring at the image of Windu and Garron. "They seem strong." Elder said as he looked to the scene of the Jedi and ARK's Operative during the battle.
"Elder." Emir said knowing Persona sent this Dark Falz to aid him in controlling Ryloth. "I want your Falspawn circling the outer perimeter if the Republic or ARK's forces appear slaughter them." Emir said as Elder then glared for a minute before storming off from Emir.
Truth was Elder wanted to fight either one of those two or both of them. They seemed strong and, Elder lived to fight such strong opponents in any situation. He'll carry out Emir's order it may prove to be a proper test to see just how strong Windu and Garron truly were and see if they will be worth fighting when they arrived here.
(Back with the Combined Forces)
Once Everyone under Mace Windu were able to recuperate after their battle, the dead were buried and given honors before a cruiser came to pick up the wounded. It was a costly battle just as Mace said but despite this they had to carry on. Hours had passed since then and in one of the Republic's AT-TE tanks, Mace Windu, with the holograms of Arthur, Morgan, Chancellor Palpatine, Anakin Skywalker, Wing Saber, and Admiral Yularen appeared. As soon as everyone was assembled, Mace Windu gave his report to the chancellor as well as stating their losses from the previous battles.
"And what's your progress, Skywalker?" Chancellor Palpatine asked, his holographic head turned to the holograms of the two in charge of the air battle.
"Our fighters have secured control of the space around Ryloth. We have the Separatist cruisers on the run." Skywalker reported, which earned a smirk from Morgan.
"The Falspawn presence in the space around Ryloth has been routed and the ones on the ground are being dealt with as we speak." Arthur added as he looked to the leaders around him.
"Very good, General Skywalker, Sir Arthur." Palpatine said with praise for them, smiling at the report he received from the two.
"Master Kenobi and the ARK's Operatives with him have taken the Jixuan desert, so the southern hemisphere is ours." Mace said gesturing to the desert in question. "Meanwhile Ark's Operatives are making tremendous strides in recapturing the northern hemisphere. Defending the people victimized by the Separatists occupations." Mace Windu reported hovering his hands over to the hemisphere ARK's were currently retaking at the moment.
"Then it's almost over."
"Not yet. The key position is the capital of Lessu." Windu said as the hologram revealed the capitol city and said to those assembled, "Our spies are certain the Separatist leader, Wat Tambor, has his command center there." Windu said as then Arthur got to the worst of it.
"And unfortunately it gets worse." Arthur sad as he currently had more to report. "We've detected a Dark Falz signal radiating off of Lessu its to assume that a Dark Falz has also set up their base as well and judging by the abundance of Aquatic Based Falspawn its to assume that Elder is the one we'll be facing." Arthur said as he then looked over to Windu. "We are gathering what Operatives we can to aid you the Dark Falz are NOT to be underestimated." Arthur said showing that if they made a mistake here then, Elder would no doubt slaughter them all without batting an eye.
"Most troubling this is." Yoda said as he knew Elder was not one to underestimate from Skywalker and Kenobi's reports on the Dark Falz.
"Is it possible to capture Elder?" Palpatine asked to which Arthur looked to Palpatine.
"If one can nullify his abilities as well as prevent Persona from porting in and retrieving him then yes. But alas we currently don't possess a working model for such a thing." Arthur said as ARK's was trying to destroy the Dark Falz and capturing one was not an option for them. "But Morgan will aid you if and when you encounter him, hopefully her cosmogenic arm shall provide you with an edge over the Dark Falz." Arthur said hoping they can provide aid against Elder here.
"I'll be more than happy to help, I've been growing a bit bored as of late." Morgan joked with a chuckle as the CAST crossed her arms ready to move.
"When dealing with a Dark Falz Neutralizing is our go to objective and sealing its power away must be done post haste." Arthur added as they knew this. They can kill the body but the Dark Falz will simply seek out a new host to inhabit and continue its reign of terror on the Galaxy.
"When taken the city we have, capture Tambor we must." Yoda stated, which earned a nod from Arthur and Morgan.
"It's not going to be easy, Master. Tambor has chosen his stronghold well." Mace began as soon the image of Lessu appeared. "This plasma bridge is the only way in or out." Mace explained, showing the plasma bridge in questions ports highlighted in a steady blinking red.
"I'm afraid a siege could drag on indefinitely." Palpatine said knowing this may not look good knowing an air to ground insertion was out of the question here.
"My people have suffered so much already. Surely there is something that can be done?" Senator Ta said, imploringly to anyone who would do something to free his people. Especially to the ARK's operatives with the Jedi Masters.
"A plan you have to take the bridge, Master Windu?" Master Yoda asked, curious wondering what Windu had in the works for a plan.
"With our forces stretched so thinly, I'm going to enlist the help of the freedom fighters led by Cham Syndulla." Mace said much to everyone's surprise on this. "His fight against the droids made him a symbol of freedom for the people." Mace Windu said, to which an image of the Freedom Fighter leader appeared on the screen.
Palpatine, taking on a cautious expression, when he saw the Freedom Fighter's image. "Cham Syndulla was a radical before the war. He is very unpredictable." Palpatine pointed out as he looked to the gathered ground.
"But he was willing to risk his life to keep his people safe; is that not something that should be approved of?" Arthur asked as he looked to the gathered forces knowing they needed all the help they can get.
"He can't be trusted!" Ta yelled as this surprised everyone here. They all looked and saw how hostile the usual jovial and cowardly senator from Ryloth sounded by that accusation he made about Cham Syndulla. "I know Syndulla seeks to gain power. We were political rivals." Taa said to which Mace was not going to have it.
"I'll leave the politics to you, Senator." Mace began as he knew they needed Cham's aid to free Ryloth from the Separatists and Falspawn. "We're gonna do whatever I can to help these people." To which Arthur nodded in agreement with the Jedi Master before him.
"Perhaps we could send you Republic reinforcements instead." Chancellor Palpatine suggested, not entirely sure that allying with a radical leader like Syndulla was the best course of action for the Republic.
"With all due respect Chancellor there are no reinforcements available, Chancellor. Our forces, especially ARK's forces, are spread too thin throughout the outer rim of your galaxy." Arthur said as ARK's currently didn't have the sufficient manpower to send out for said reinforcement.
"We can't win without Syndulla's help." Mace Windu pressed, determined to go and recruit the Twi'lek freedom fighter.
"The same way they can't stop the Falspawn without our help." Arthur said and thus Morgan spoke up.
"I'll make planet side as soon as possible just be cautious when dealing with Elder should you face him." Morgan said and thus Windu nodded and thus they were all ready to move out and find Cham so they can unite and liberate Ryloth.
(Scene Break Later)
Mace Windu led his troopers and the four ARK's Operatives on the walkers provided by Lightning Squad to help locate Cham. They had received reports that he was last sighted in this area which was their first and right now best clue to finding him.
Once they stopped at a cliff edge, the four of them saw Twi'lek grave markers. Mace Winder was the first to get off to examine the area followed by Zed. Once they got up the two looked around as the four Mag's began scanning the area to locate the rebels.
"What makes you think the rebels are this way, General?" A Trooper asked as Garron glared around looking for their intended allies.
"If I had to guess." Zed spoke up as he shouldered his gunblade. "Since they were last seen in this area it would lead to reason they would still be here." Zed said as he looked over the graves as Zinnia and Reika got off to examine them.
"What is it, sir?" The Second Clone asked, seeing the general looking at a foot print of some sort of Rylothian born creature.
"The resistance fighters ride creatures native to this region." Windu explained before turning to those with him.
"And from the looks of it these tracks are fresh." Zed said as he looked at the tracks in question.
"So that means that they can't be far off." Zinnia said as she realized they were on the right track.
Garron then growled while getting off his walker as he glared around. "Then if their close by where the Hell are they?!" Garron demanded as he looked around for Cham and his Twi'lek Freedom Fighters.
"Garron." Zed scolded a bit as Garron glared but let it be for the mission.
Just then one of the Clones noted something about the area they were in which he opted to voice. "Isn't this the spot where they were massacred?" Razor asked, saddened by their deaths despite it being for a good cause.
"Looks like it was a scrap of a fight." Stak said as he saw the area.
"Wonder who put up these gravestones." Razor commented, knowing that if the resistance was massacred, no one would've put the grave stones up for them.
They heard a roar from near the battlefield causing them all to get on edge. "Is that them?" Stak asked as he was ready to move.
"Only one way to find out!" Garron snarled and looked ready to fight. In turn Mace Windu signaled both troopers and the ARK's Operatives to go in a way and thus started moving.
(Meanwhile back with Emir Lessu)
"Your tactical droid has informed us of the pitiful job you have done protecting our investment on Ryloth." Count Dooku stated after Wat Tambor had been directed to make contact with the fallen Jedi and Dark Falz Persona the Masked.
"A very poor performance indeed, if TA-175's report is true." Persona said before looking over to Elder. "It's even more pitiful that you won't act… Elder." Persona said as he was clearly displeased with Elder's lack of acting against their enemies.
"Emir told me to stay out of it so I did." Elder said showing he was letting Emir dig his own grave on Ryloth.
"That droid exaggerates and Elder simply refuses to take initiative! I have not lost yet!" Emir countered as he pointed accusingly at the Droid and Dark Falz Elder the Gargantuan.
Persona glared at Emir before sharing a glance with Count Dooku. It lasted for but a moment before Dooku began speaking once more. "You're no match for Master Windu, or ARK's." Dooku said knowing Ryloth was now lost to them. "Take what valuables you can and destroy everything else." Dooku ordered as he then glared down upon Emir.
"Everything?" Wat Tambor asked, worried about the treasures on this planet which he could use for his own personal funding. But if these two were going to make him destroy everything that was not in his possession…
"We can put this defeat to political use." Dooku explained, hearing Emir's question on this. "The charred ruins of the planet of Ryloth will demonstrate to the galaxy the cost of a Republic-ARK's victory." Dooku said as he knew Tambor needed a better explanation to this.
"As you wish." Tambor complied, bowing slightly as he accepted his orders.
"Elder, your free to rampage wherever you feel till it's time to depart." Persona said as he looked over to the Dark Falz who then nodded to Persona with a savage grin.
(Meanwhile back with Lightning Squadron)
Mace Windu and his company were hiding behind a disabled and damaged MTT when they saw a squad of droids heading their way, in search of something. With them were the Four ARK's Operatives as they made sure to keep hidden. Garron though looked pissed about having to hide like coward from the Droids.
"Keep on the lookout for that lost patrol." The Super Battle droid said to the battle droid next to it.
However, one of the Clones began to move and in doing so disturbed the rocks enough to draw the Battle Droids attention. "Did you hear that?" One of them asked as the patrol stopped when two of the battle droids heard the noise.
When the Droids went to investigate both Troopers and ARK's operatives looked ready to move in. At least until Mace gestured for them to stay put to which they did.
After a while of looking one of the Droids began to spoke. "I don't see anything." Another said, after a moment of searching for the source of the sound.
The first droid then picked up a blasted head of an older battle droid. "Look its RB-551." The Droids said while holding the head in question.
"No wonder he got blasted, he was one of those older models controlled by a central computer." A third said as they were laughing over their comrade's demise.
"Not us, because we're independent thinkers." The First one said after shaking his fallen comrade's head to hear shaking inside it.
"Roger, roger."
"Roger, roger."
"Roger, roger."
The Droids began to take their leave as Zinnia rolled her eyes on annoyance over the Droids. "Oh brother." Zinnia said as she could tell those Droids were total idiots.
"Why didn't we take them out, sir?" Stak asked once the droids were out of ear shot.
"Yeah we could have torn them apart without struggle." Garron said as he was clearly not one to hide out like this.
"I have a feeling the rebels will do it for us." Mace said calmly to the group and in turn they heard the sound of Blaster Fire from afar.
"Look out! It's an ambush!" One of the Battle Droids exclaimed the instant that blaster fire was heard before it was followed by beasts roaring.
"Help! It's the resistance!" Another cried out as it was clear Mace was on point to this.
Windu, the Four ARK's Operatives, and the two clone troopers with him rushed out to assist in the fight. But they arrived only to find the droid patrol had been decimated and the Rebels were nowhere to be seen.
"What!?" Garron yelled enraged that he missed a fight.
"Garron calm down it's not the end of the world." Reika said doing her best to calm Garron down.
"Well the certainly move fast." Zinnia said as the Newman Girl was impressed in the hustle the Twi'lek rebels had here.
"Or maybe they haven't left yet." Zed said as just then from one of the destroyed ships climbed a male Twi'lek who had an orange pigmentation. Just then many more Twi'lek showed up as Garron snarled at them ready to crack their skulls if these guys should force his hand here.
He looked down at them and recognized the weapon held in Windu's hand. "I was wondering when you'd find me, Master Jedi." The Twi'lek said as Zed recognized this Twi'Lek from the holo images Mace had showed them.
"General Syndulla, I've come for your help." Mace Windu said, lowering his arms to show his intentions were non-hostile to the freedom fighter leader.
"What makes you think you'll get it?" Syndulla asked, raising a brow as he saw the group.
"Yeap it's going to be one of those days." Zed said realizing this was going to be difficult for all parties that were currently involved.
(Meanwhile back with Tambor Lessu)
Back at Lessu, Wat Tambor rolled towards where his tactical droid was waiting for him in the main office. Turning to the Emir of Ryloth, the droid addressed him.
"Emir Tambor, our bombers are nearly ready for launch." TA-175 reported to the Skakoan as they oversaw the droids loading bombs to the Vulture bombers. "And now I will ready your ship for evacuation." TA-175 stated getting ready to signal the preparations of the shuttle to be ready.
"I am not yet ready to leave." Tambor stated defiantly and no doubt Greed played a role in this as well as arrogance. He would not leave, not since the enemy does not possess the will to harm the Twi'leks that live in his fortress. Nor will he leave any of the treasures taken from the Twi'leks during their initial attacks on the planet.
If TA-175 had the capacity, he'd narrow his own optics like that of an organic being. "In any case, we have a schedule to keep. The ship will be ready." The Droid said following orders from one who held a higher rank then Tambor currently did in the CIS.
(Meanwhile back with Windu's group)
Soon Mace Windu, the two clones with him, and the ARK's Operatives all arrived to a downed landing craft of the Separatist. No doubt this ship was brought down a while back and was now serving as the Rebels Headquarters. Or at the very least it was their base in this region of the planet. The group began to enter the base as Garron had that scowl ever present on his face with Reika being pleasant enough for both herself and her partner in ARK's.
"Some hideout you have here." Mace Windu said to the general, impressed how the resistance were able to use the damaged and destroyed Separatist vehicles for their base.
Cham kept walking as he smirked to the Jedi. "It has advantages." Cham said no doubt taking some pride in their base.
"Pardon me." Zinnia said as she spoke up to get Cham's attention. "Are you aware of the F-Factor the Falspawn produce upon death?" Zinnia asked to which Cham grew concerned. "Long story short it's a corruptive essence that once is in the air will infect anything it can get to until it can dissipate but inside a body it will be able to grow and multiply." Zinnia said as Cham grew worried as he had seen some of the Falspawn. "Normally it drives the victim to performing violent and savage acts but ARK's has a way to counter it, if you would allow me I'd like to try using this method on your troops mainly those who had faced the Falspawn at one point or another." Zinnia said as she wanted to be sure everyone was cleared of the F-Factor.
"Very well I'll gather up my troops for your immunization." Cham said as he had already seen some of his own troops go mad after facing a few Falspawn. Needless to say it was not a pretty sight when he saw some of his own going berserk and attacking everything that stood in their way.
Once that was done Mace stepped up as he looked over to Cham. "We saw the graves of many of your people in that battlefield as well. Together, we can prevent that from happening again." Mace said hoping to convince Cham to join forces so they can clear the Falspawn and Separatist from Ryloth.
Cham Syndulla stopped before he looked back to the Jedi as no doubt Mace touched a sore subject. "Do you know why we were massacred, Master Jedi?" Cham asked with an aggressive tone in his voice to Mace. "When the droids swept over Ryloth, the Republic was unable to help us. We were forced to surrender, and we came here unarmed." He explained no doubt having been there when Ryloth was originally invaded by the Separatist and the Falspawn.
"The Separatists brought tanks to exterminate us. And that was before they brought those… monsters with them to bring even more pain to my people." Cham said as he saw what the Falspawn did and was not liking their odds on that front. He also saw what Elder did after he arrived and needless to say he'd rather avoid Elder until they can bring down the might of the entire planet down on that monster in Lessu.
Just then the group heard a bit of a commotion behind them opting them to look and see Zed, Reika, and the Clones approaching the creatures.
"Come here, boy." Razor began as he approached the creature.
"Come on." Zed said as the Gunblade user was interested in the creature as well.
"Don't be afraid." Reika said as she stood behind Razor with Zed on this.
"See, there's nothing to be afraid of here." Razor said before the creature snarled and tried to bash its head against the clone, but hit the bars. Much to the amusement of two of the Twi'lek freedom fighters. One even said something in the Twi'lek native language.
"He says: 'his Blurrg may be ill-tempered, but she's much faster than your riding machines.'" Syndulla translated for the clone.
"I don't know about that." Razor said, finding that hard to believe.
"Wait it's a girl?" Zed asked and thus Zinnia face palmed himself for that.
"Dumbass." Garron snarled a bit as he began to head off with the rest of the group.
The group then continued until their way until they arrived at a larger underground area where a nine year old girl with a lighter green skin tone ran up to Cham. He picked her up and hugged her while the ARK's Operatives all found some resemblance between the child and Cham.
Just then an older blue Twi'lek male approached, a hand covering his arm. He seemed embarrassed by what happened to him. "What is this, a scratch?" Cham asked, seeing it as a small knickknack before assuring his friend. "Gobi, get better. I need you." He said and in turn Gobi said something in his native language before going back to work.
"We have little food or drink, but it is our tradition to share what we do have with our guests." Cham told the Jedi and ARK's Operatives to which Zinnia and Reika walked forth.
"We'll work on cleansing the F-Factor before we enjoy any food or drink." Reika said as she knew they had work to do first.
"Work first then pleasure I'm sure you can understand that General." Zinnia said and thus Cham nodded understanding that the F-Factor was a problem that needed to be dealt with.
(Later with Mace Windu's forces)
Later on the other side of the planet Ryloth it was now night time as a group of Republic walker tanks were stepping towards a Twi'lek village. Inside the tank Commander Ponds was getting a report from one of his subordinates.
"Have our scouts reported in from the village up ahead?" Commander Ponds asked as he and his company were going meet up with General Windu once they made sure that the enemy had retreated away from the civilians.
"The enemy's already pulled out. Women and children are all that's left." One of Pongs Subordinates answered as he turned to his Commanding Officer.
"See if we can spare some rations. They'll be hungry." Ponds told the soldiers with him, knowing that the Separatists took away the Twi'leks means to feed themselves and their farms.
"Isn't that why we brought ARK's?" One of Ponds' subordinates asked as they had brought a transport vehicle with nothing but supplies for the Civilians on Ryloth.
Just then alarms began to blare as the group of Clone Troopers all heard this. "Sir, enemy ships are entering our sector." One of them reported causing a panic to be felt by the troopers.
(In the Village)
A meteor like comet of energy began to fly down from above just before the bombers could arrive. Once it landed it made a crash already doing damage and drawing the attention of the villagers. From there Elder in his Hunar form rose up and roared out in fury causing a panic.
Soon the sound of Elder's rampage can be heard with the screams of the Twi'Lek as Elder slaughtered anything and everything in his way. He was clearly burning off some steam as he went about on his rampage against the Twi'Lek people. He had very little time to do this before the bombers arrived but Elder would enjoy it for all that it was worth.
But alas for Elder all good things must come to an end as soon the sound of the Bombers were heard. Elder didn't care seeing as he could tank through them without any struggle so he kept on until the Bombs hit the area. Eventually those explosives hit destroying everything and everyone in the village. Only Elder was left standing as he glared out knowing it was time to move on to the next village.
(Back with the Walker)
Soon their entire walker was shaking due to the explosion from the bombers, making those inside the AT-TE sway back and forth. The ARK's transport vehicle didn't fare much better either but it was clear whatever had happened was huge.
"Damage report!" Pongs ordered to which the Soldier was already on it.
"There's no tactical damage, sir." The soldier reported, before it dawn to them all. "It didn't hit us. They bombed the village." The clone reported to his commanding officer.
Both Ponds and his subordinate got out of the tank and saw the village burning. Steeling himself from the carnage he was seeing, he knew they had to focus on the mission. "Make contact with General Windu." Pongs ordered to which they knew they were now running out of time to liberate the planet.
(Back at the Rebel Base)
Back in Cham Syndyulla's camp, members of his rebels were dancing and playing music in traditional Twi'lek manner. Food and drink was spread among the group as it was clearly a means to keep moral up. Garron was stuffing his face a bit still carrying that scowl on his face while Reika was more controlled with her own eating habits.
"I hope you don't mind this." Cham said to Master Windu and Zed while gesturing to the performance. "A little distraction goes far to ease the burden of the war on my men." Cham said as it kept moral up and spirits high for the rebel forces.
"You have provided well for your men, all your people." Windu told Cham as he agreed a little time like this could go a long way for the next battle. "So why won't you help me free them from this occupation?" Windu asked as he looked to the Twi'Lek.
"I don't trust senator Ta or his plans for our world after the war." Cham confessed, looking back to his people with concern.
"The Republic will help you rebuild." Mace Windu promised knowing these people needed it. "We won't abandon you." He assured but Cham wasn't convinced.
"Your troops will stay for security?" Cham asked as he was no tensed, obviously so.
"For a while, to keep the peace." Mace Windu answered to which Zed saw was not a good sign.
"Another armed occupation is not a free Ryloth." Cham told the human Jedi as his expression began to turn serious. "How long before I am fighting you, Master Jedi?" Cham asked as he looked to Windu.
"You may not want another armed occupation, but what about ARK's?" Zed asked as he approached Cham. "The F-Factor can drive any of you insane if it's not dealt with, you may be ok fighting the Jedi but what about your own?" Zed asked as he sat with the group. "I can't make promises but at least allow ARK's to position a garrison here to deal with the Falspawn." Zed asked as Cham considered the Operatives offer. After all he made a valid point how long will it be before he must fight his own corrupted people.
Windu saw how Cham was considering the offer from Zed knowing he brought up excellent points on this particular subject. But before he could add his two scents on it Mace Windu heard his comm. link beeping and activated it. In fact the ARK's Operatives own communicators activated opting them to move a hand to their ears to answer it. In turn Windu opened his hand for the hologram to be made of his clone commander, Ponds. "What is it, commander?" Mace asked as he looked to hid Clone Commander.
"The droids have begun a firebombing campaign." The clone began to a horrified expression on his face. "Several villages in our sectors have been destroyed, sir and…" Pongs trailed off unable to find the right words to use. "Dark Falz Elder is leading them and several Falspawn on the attack, it's just mindless rampaging." Pongs said as this caused the festivities to come to an end.
"They did WHAT?!" Garron demanded as he was now officially pissed off with this.
"Garron…" Zinnia began but Reika held her fellow Newmans turned her head stopping her. Garron then roared out before storming out of the room clearly upset with this horrifying information. Then about a good five minutes later the entire base shook as from the distance they could hear Garron roaring in anger showing he was trying to let it out without harming others.
Reika seeing this stood up and bowed to the people. "Please forgive Garron for this, but what the enemy had done had hit some sore spots for him." Reika said before going outside herself to hopefully calm Garron down some once he's had time to blow off the steam.
Cham could agree with Garron was doing and even he knew if the Falspawn and the Separatist continue then more innocent lives would be lost to their evil. Cham thought about this new information and came to a decision he hoped he won't regret. "Make the arrangements. I will speak to senator Ta." Cham said knowing that he had to swallow his pride for the pursuit of peace.
(Scene Break Capital City Lessu)
Back at Lessu the final preparations were being made to leave the planet. Leaving the complex in Lessu's base, Wat Tambor saw the droids making the Twi'lek prisoners carry the gold and treasure into the shuttle.
"Is this all of it?" Wat Tambor asked, approaching the Droid in charge of things here.
"We are still awaiting two transports from our southern base." The droid lieutenant reported as he looked to his commanding officer. "Should we depart without them?" The Droid asking knowing it was the logical move for them here.
"No. I will have every valuable on this rock before I leave." Tambor declared, unaware of the droid coming with a holo disc with Dooku projecting from an astromech.
"Emir Tambor, why haven't you evacuated?" Dooku asked, his voice harsh that his subordinate hadn't even begun to leave the planet's atmosphere.
The Skakaon stuttered on thinking of an excuse. "Our exit strategy is taking more time to implement." He said no doubt lying through his teeth on this current subject.
This caused Dooku to become angrier, as well as Wat Tambor, but for an entirely different reason. "I want you out of the city before the Republic arrives." Dooku ordered with a harsh tone.
"Once Master and the combined forces between the Republic and ARKs have invaded the capital, you will bomb it from afar." Dooku ordered as the holograms turned to face the tactical droid. "Am I understood?" Dooku asked almost daring Wat to counter this order.
"Yes, Count Dooku." TA-175 said, bowing its head as the hologram disappeared.
Once the holograms disappeared, Tambor turned, angrily at his tactical droid, "You will not do anything until I give the order." He ordered but the Tactical Droid had its orders.
"We have our orders, Emir." The Tactical droid stated as it went along to meet with the newly retuned Elder. "Tell your comrades that I and my forces await the Dark Falz generals' next command." The Droid said to which Elder scoffed to him.
"They already know." Elder said before walking off no doubt to do whatever it was he normally did when by himself.
(Back at the Rebel Base)
Zinnia had made the call to Arthur of the Council of Six and gave Cham prior warning that Cham was from a machine species called the CAST. With this in mind she placed the call and thus they awaited the answer from the intended parties. Suddenly the hologram activated, with Lotus appearing with Senator Taa next to her as Cham said to them, "Arthur I presume?"
"I am, it is an honor to meet with you despite it not being face to face." Arthur said as he looked to Cham via the hologram image here. Cham nodded to the CAST who lead ARK's before he then turned torts Taa with a sour look on his face as he said, "Senator Taa, so glad to could join us, from comfortable Coruscant. Our people have survived with only me."
"I knew you would try and turn this into a campaign to take power. Need I remind you that it is I who leads our people in the senate?" Senator Taa said but his defense was not looking good when he is looking like a fat slob with Cham said to him, "And it is I who leads our people here and now."
"Please calm yourselves, fighting among yourselves isn't going to solve your problems," Zinnia said as she trying to keep the peace between them with the Jedi Master helping out as he speak up while saying, "And there will be nothing left to lead if you two refuse to work together."
"For the sake of your people, the both of you must set aside your differences and talk with each other. Otherwise there will be nothing to gain and your people will only suffer prolonged agony from this occupation." Arthur said causing both Twi'lek men to go silent from hearing this information as they calm down.
Suddenly Windu's communicator began to go off and from it a voice was heard. "General Windu, do you copy?" Anakin's voice came from the comm. Link but judging by his tone it was urgent.
Knowing he had to take this Mace went about answering the call. "I hear you, Skywalker." Mace answered to which Anakin began his report on the current crisis.
"Our fighters are taking out the bombers as fast as they can, but there are just too many." Anakin said as some of the fighters had signs of Falspawn corruption on them. No doubt thanks to being exposed to both Falspawn and Elder. "I doubt we can stop them all. I suggest you get the people away from the cities." Anakin added as he knew this was going to be a close one for them all.
"You must destroy those bombers, Skywalker. Then meet me at the capital." Windu ordered to which everyone heard this.
"I'll do what I can." Anakin said and thus Windu ended the communication.
(Meanwhile At the sky battle)
Anakin and Ahsoka were currently flying in their fighters as Vulture and Bomber Droids flew by. Providing them aid was the AIS's commanded by Yuvel and his team from ARKs. They continued to fight them but there was a great number of them making it hard to take them all out. Plus they were also on the lookout for Elder in case he may attack once more.
(Back with Windu)
After hearing the report it was Senator Taa who spoke first. "What can the Separatists hope to gain from burning our homes?" Senator Ta asked, horrified by what was happening.
Cham Syndulla narrowed his eye in determination on what to do and anger over what was happening before he gave his answer. "Nothing. Wat Tambor spoils for others what he cannot possess." Cham said and thus Zed knew what was about to happen and smiled to this.
"Then we must act quickly." Taa said and thus Windu stepped in on this.
"Senator, your people are hesitant to join us because they're worried there'll be another military occupation." Taa said as Arthur felt he needed to speak no longer. He would suggest an ARK's Garrison at a later date knowing Elder was on the planet still.
"The people have my promise that the clone army will leave once Ryloth is free of those droids." Senator Ta promised, with a courage that few in the senate or republic saw in the fat Twi'lek.
Seeing this Windu opted to step in and speak to the General. "General Syndulla, What assurance can you give Senator Ta you will not try to assume political power?"
"I only want to see my people free, Master Jedi." Cham answered, honestly. "I give my word. I believe in democracy." He added to all those who were currently assembled.
"And you have my word Senator Ta and General Syndulla." Arthur spoke up to those who were gathered right now. "ARK's will do all that I can to help you rebuild your cities to your specifications of course." Arthur said as he looked to Syndulla hoping to gain allies in the fight against the Falspawn.
"Then we are together in this." Mace Windu said, knowing an the alliance had been forged between the two former political rivals
Senator Ta and Arthur both ended the transmission as the two leaders on Ryloth approached the assembled people. "People of Ryloth, the time has come to free ourselves!" Cham Syndulla declared, holding his arm up high. This earned a cheer from the crowd. The resistance fighter spent the night to get their weapons ready, their Bluurgs fed and well rested for the journey and fight for the freedom of Ryloth. General Windu and his men waited for more of their troops as did Zed and his fellow ARK's Operatives for reinforcements.
(Scene Break the next Day)
With their alliance formed they all began to March their way to Lessu. ARK's Operatives, Clones, and Freedom Fighters marched together to liberate Ryloth and her people from the Separatist and their Dark Falz allies and the Falspawn scourge that they commanded.
Eventually they came across a cliff area to which Zed, Cham and Windu looked to the city below. "Tambor is still there." Mace Windu stated, not just through the force, but also by how there are Droid soldiers everywhere within the city wall. But outside and over the walls the Falspawn were seen ready to act at a moment's notice.
Looking through the binoculars and saw scores of Twi'leks camped out around the wall, "How are we going to attack with my people so close?" Cham asked with concern over his people's own safety here.
"Your people will never be in danger if the walkers and soldiers can cross the bridge into the city." Zed stated, laying on his stomach while looking through the scope of his Gunblade zooming in on what looked like the command center for the bridge controls.
"The key is getting control of that bridge." Mace said knowing they needed that bridge to get into Lessu.
"Yeah but after that we have Elder to deal with." Zed said knowing full well that if they wanted to take the city they needed to take out Elder which will be a trial for all of those currently involved.
Just then while looking to her side, Zinnia spotted something off to their left. "What's that?" Zinnia asked while pointing to the subject of her asked question.
Cham looked, using the electro-binoculars to check and saw two transports traveling a path. "My spies tell me those transports carry treasure. It's not enough for the Separatists to enslave and murder us, they must rob from us too!" Cham said growling to this a bit knowing the Separatists will keep taking from his people.
"You think we can use them to get across the bridge?" Mace Windu asked as he started getting an idea on tackling this battle.
"It is risky." Cham confessed, and he had good reason to be afraid. "They are usually scanned while crossing." Cham said as he looked to the group.
"Then we'll have to go in undetected." Windu said knowing it was their only hope.
"But once we manage to get across the bridge we still have Dark Falz Elder's Falspawn to deal with." Zed added knowing they would have to fight their way through hordes of monsters of darkness commanded by Dark Falz Elder the gargantuan.
"Can you try to draw the fight away?" Windu asked to which Zed nodded to this.
"We'll keep him busy but it will be difficult." Zed said agreeing to act as bait to draw Elder away from their force here. "So who's ready for some breaking and entering?" Zed asked with a cocky smirk on his features showing he was ready to liberate Ryloth.
(Later)
Windu with the two clone troopers and the four ARK's Operatives awaited for the transport convoy to arrive. The plan was to hitch a ride on it and book it to the bridge control room. Mace was holding the communicator close as he began to speak into it. "When I get control of the bridge, you must start the attack." Windu said before he then jumped off, using the Force to land safely down on a droid STAP. Once he landed the Clones and ARK's Operatives were right behind him. The Jedi then used his lightsaber to cut off the head of one of the droids before jumping onto the back of the MTT tank. Once he got on the transport he used his weapon and made a hole big enough for him the, ARK's Operatives, and the clones to get in.
(Back over with Cham)
Back on the cliff top, Cham Syndulla saw the progress of the Jedi and knew it was time to move. "They're in. Let's go." Cham said and thus the combined forces began to mobilize for combat.
Ponds heard his communicator beep as he heard his general's order. "Commander, I'll need you to create a diversion. Get the rest of Lightning squadron ready." Mace ordered to which Ponds understood what was to be done.
"Yes, sir." Ponds said before ending the communication link as he prepared to provide his general needed that distraction he had asked for.
"My men are ready." Cham told Ponds as the Twi'lek rode on his Bluurg.
"Let's move in then!" An ARK's Operative called out and thus they began their move to take back the city.
(Meanwhile with Wat in Lessu)
Wat Tambor was anxiously waiting in his command center for the last piece of treasure that was "found" on this planet. "It is time to leave." TA-175 reported knowing it was time to head on out due to losing this planet to the Republic. "The Republic forces are holding at 1,200 meters." The Droid Reported as he pointing out in the distance where Republic Forces were holding the line.
Just then a battle droid approached and had a report ready for Tambor. "Sir, the last shipments of treasure are approaching." The Droid reported much to Wat's joy.
"Just in time." The emir stated in relief, before giving his next order to the droid. "Activate the bridge and get them across immediately." He ordered and thus the Droid went to carry out the order with a customary roger-roger in the orders confirmation.
But not all shared Wat's viewpoint of things here and for good reason to boot. If the droid could glare, TA-175 would be glaring death at the Skokan's greed as it left the room. It decided it was time for him to act for the cause of the Confederacy.
(Back with Windu's infiltration team)
Inside the MTT Mace Windu could sense the two droids approaching as the ARK's Operatives looked ready to move as well. "Here they come." Mace said knowing their time to strike was closely upon them.
During this the ARK's Operatives were looking at their data hub that monitored their health points and photon points. Many ARK's Operatives assumed this system also connected to the Mother Ship and thus the ARK's Admin would provide promotions and such based around ones EXP progress. Of course it's only a theory for the time being and one they could not focus on during this mission they were currently undertaking.
"Get ready guys." Zed said as he was ready to rock and roll while Garron cracked his knuckles ready to fight his way through the Droids and the Falspawn here.
Soon it was time to move as the ARK's Operatives, Jedi, and Clone Troopers were ready to move in on their foes. The moment that the cargo hatch opened, the two battle droids saw Mace Windu, the ARK's Operatives, and the two clone troopers there, with the Jedi activating his lightsaber.
"Oh, no!" The first droid said, seeing the enemy so close.
"You're under arrest!" The other shouted before e Jedi used the force to pull the scared droid towards him. Mace then cut the droid in two as the second one tried to recite, what sounded like the Miranda Rights.
"We're under attack!" The droid warned before it too was sent into the scrap heap, courtesy of Zed cutting off its head with his Gunblade out in blade mode. Once they were out the distraction from their forces began as Zinnia looked and saw the Clones and Freedom fighters charging in to aid them. A Second after Garron and Reika came out the alarm sounded, which could only mean one thing and that was the shutdown of the bridge.
"Run for it! They're turning the bridge off!" Mace ordered to the group when he turned to them. Luckily Garron had other ideas on dealing with this. He first grabbed the Clone Troopers much to their shock before they were yelling when Garron threw them to solid ground. Once that was done Garron repeated the processes with Zed and Zinnia thus leaving himself and Reika on the active energy bridge. Finally came Reika as Garron saw the bridge was flashing bellow his feet and thus he threw her across the bridge where she landed on solid ground with the others.
"A warning would have helped!" Zed yelled angrily over Garron's blunt use of his strength.
Garron began to run for it but seeing that he wasn't going to make it Mace acted and used the Force to push Garron far enough to land on the other side. When Garron landed he rolled on the ground and growled to what Windu did for him no doubt his pride taking a blow. When the bridge went down Mace began to fall with the transports but acted fast. He first jumped between the two making his way through until he jumped and landed on one of the speeders. Once he was there he glared at the Droid controlling it before he had it accelerate and thus turned it on the other speeder.
He then jumped off and landed on the ground just as the Droids cried out in horror before crashing into each other and exploding. Once they were regrouped the group heard the doors open and from it they saw Droids and Falspawn beginning to charge at them ready to kill them.
"We'll hold them off. Get that bridge back up." Mace called out as he reignited his Lightsaber while the ARK's Operatives were ready for battle with their weapons powered by Photons.
"Sir, yes, sir!" Both of the clones exclaimed, as they went into the city to take the Bridge Controls while their general kept reflecting blaster fire back at the droids. During this the ARK's Ops charged in with Garron smashing his way through the enemy and Zed slashing through them with his gunblade before shooting one that came at him. Zinnia fired off her Photon Techniques with Reika's aid destroying Droid and Falspawn alike with each successive Photonic attack.
As they continued to move the Troopers went to the side entrance and made their way to the bridge control room. The battle continued as Garron snarled and smashed his way through the Droids while Reika provided her partner with what support she could here. Clearly Garron was every bit as savage as he was rude and short tempered but luckily it was currently working in the favor of ARK's.
He then grabbed two by the head and slammed them down before tearing their heads off. He used those same heads to bludgeon a Super Battle Droid before grabbing it by the arms and legs and tearing it in half.
"Jeez Garron has no chill." Zed said as he slashed his way through the Falspawn and Droids before shooting at them while running to cover.
"Well it was either him or that creep from human resources." Zinnia said as she did NOT want to talk about this unnamed creep they knew.
"Less talking more fighting!" Garron roared as he then charged at the tank ready to tear the droid vehicle apart.
(Meanwhile with the army)
Cham had saw they had made it across and knew they had to move in now. "Charge!" Cham ordered and in turn he charged into battle. Behind him the members of Cham's resistance and Republic Clone and the ARKs Operative's followed behind. They all had one goal in mind and that was to take back Ryloth.
(With the Clone Troopers)
Eventually the two Clones made it to the Bridge Control room and were ready for their part in this. But when Stak and Razor made it into the bridge controls, one of the droids saw them and acted. "Hey! You're not authorized to be in here." The Droid said as he looked to the Clones not realizing they were the enemy and they had to shoot said enemy of the CIS.
"Save it!" Stak exclaimed as he and Razor fired on the droids, hitting each one in a vital area.
Once this was done Razor went to the controls and pushed the lever up. "Bridge is up, sir."
Razor said as he was speaking through his comms to Mace Windu while activating the energy bridge.
(Back to the Battle)
As soon as the plasma bridge was online again all of the republic and resistance fighters in the lead ran over the bridge with their vehicles and riding creatures. ARK's accompanied them as they all began to overrun Tambor's base of operations here on Ryloth. The people cheered as they passed by as they saw freedom was well within their reach now at long last. The ARK's operatives fired their ranged weapons and Techniques upon both the Droid and the Falspawn while a few others went with their melee weapons for combat against their foes.
Cham saw Mace Windu destroying the droids with his impressive saber skills and mastery of the Force. Nearby he saw the ARK's operatives taking on a few Droids by focusing on the Falspawn as they came at them. He also saw how savage Garron was and knew that this particular member of ARK's may be shouldering some issues here. When he arrived, Cham began to blast every droid on sight but that was before a Falspawn came down on him ready to attack. As the fish like Falspawn was about to hit Zed shot it down as he held his gunblade in gun form showing he shot the photon bullet.
"You take these droids. I'll go find Wat Tambor." Mace said, and in turn proceeded to work his way up to find the enemy leader. The battle continued as Freedom Fighters and Clone Troopers destroyed the Droids while ARKs destroyed any Falspawn they faced against.
(Back with Razor and Stak)
Inside the bridge controls, a small squad of battle droids came in to retake the controls from the two clone troopers. Razor and Stak seeing this were ready to take them on and hold the bridge controls at all costs. A pair of Falspawn corrupted commando droid came as one of them mercilessly tossed one of the battle droids at the two troopers.
Razor was dropped by the droid on top of him while the other commando went and punched Stak before grabbing him by his helmet and slamming him to the floor. Stak saw Razor being picked up by the first commando and was about to be suffocated when he saw an abandoned separatist droid blaster and fired the droid from behind. Razor took this time to get the commando off of him before helping his older friend. Slamming his fist into the head of the second commando droid to get off of Stak.
Just as the two clones were about to get back into the fight, the two commando droids went on the offensive. The two pairs fought against each other, and it looked like the later pair were going to win when all of a sudden one of the droids was chopped in two and before the other could act it was cut down by none other than Morgan.
"Are you two alright?" Morgan asked as the member of the Council of Six had come to reinforce Widnu's forces. The two looked at each other and nodded. Even though they knew about the heroism of ARK's during the Invasion of Coruscant by the Falspawn and the Dark Falz, it was still something else to witness it firsthand.
(Meanwhile in the landing pads)
Up at the main shuttle area near the command center, TA-175 walked to the shuttle while accompanied by two Battle Droids. "Start my ship." The droid ordered and in turn the two Droids headed off to start the ship. "That Tambor is a fool." The Droid said but just then Elder began to walk by him. "Won't you accompany us?" The Droid asked but, Elder glared at the Droid.
"No I want to fight some more." The Dark Falz said as he knew the foes would arrive here soon enough.
As the tactical Droid entered the ship Wat Tambor exited the command center with two of the Super battle droids as his guards. He then went wide eyed as he saw his ship was starting up with, Elder, walking away. "My ship!" Wat cried out when he saw this happen. "Stop them!" Wat yelled but Elder ignored him as he waited for ARK's and Windu to show up.
"No." Elder said as he was itching to fight someone and now he had the chance presented.
(Meanwhile With the Tactical Droid)
Once the shuttle had reached a safe altitude, the tactical droid contacted both Dooku and Persona to give its report. "TA-175, where is Emir Tambor and Elder?" Persona asked, seeing the droid there.
"I'm afraid Emir Tambor refused to retreat in time." TA-175 informed it's superiors of what happened, and why the emir wasn't with it. "As for Elder he opted to stay behind and hold off the enemy." The Droid said as it factored in Elder's lust for battle.
"That is… Unfortunate for the emir." Dooku said as Persona was silent on this. "Order the droid bombers to destroy the capitol immediately." Count Dooku ordered the droid, which it obeyed. After all without order and logic to keep control, there can be no victory.
(Back at the Landing Pads)
Eventually Mace Windu found his target before he was joined by the ARK's operatives. As the group effortlessly cut down the Super Battle Droids Windu went for Wat and pointed his saber at Tambor's face. "Surrender." Windu demanded as he glared at the now former emir.
Seeing the blade so close, the former Emir had to try something. "General Windu, perhaps we can come to a compromise." Wat offered as to bargain for his life on this.
"Not when we hold all the cards." Zed countered as he held his gunblade close to the Skokan's head. For extra measure, Garron snarled and glared directly at the former emir.
However, they were taken aback as Tambo was looking past them. "It appears a surrender is unnecessary. We will all perish for the glory of the Separatist alliance." Wat said and in turn everyone turned to see the bombers racing towards them. However, before the droid bomber could release their payload, Skywalker and Yuvel's squadrons had taken them all out.
Once the droid bombers had been taken out, Zed smirked at Wat. "You were saying?" Zed asked as that was what he called a lucky move on their part.
Realizing that his capture was inevitable. "What are your terms for surrender?" Wat Tambor asked as he glared at his captors.
"They're unconditional." Cham answered, pointing his blaster at the foreman's head.
Realizing this is the only way to survive, he conceded to defeat. "Agreed." Wat said and all was well until something ruined it for them all. From nearby Elder crashed in while in his Hunar form as he glared at his foes.
"It's not over I haven't had my battle yet." Elder said as the bloodthirst Dark Falz was not one to be denied a fight he sought.
Everyone scattered as they saw Elder, standing there as even Wat was caught off guard by his sudden entrance. "You've lost Dark Falz give up while you can!" Zed yelled as he pointed his weapon accusingly at Elder.
"It's over!" Zinnia added as she glared at Elder.
"Not until I've been properly satisfied." Elder said and thus out of nowhere Garron charged in and punched Elder in the side of the face. The force of the attack cause a gust of wind to come by but Elder showed he was unaffected by it. In response Elder grabbed Garron's arm and slammed him across the ground before spinning and throwing him across the landing pad. He hit a Separatist Transport ship in response trashing it beyond any immediate repairs.
"Garron!" Reika cried out shocked and fear for her partner's wellbeing after that nasty blow.
Garron coughed a bit as he got out of the wreckage and glared at Elder in contempt. "Don't, you dare underestimate, me!" Garo roared out charging in to attack again. Only this time Elder blocked the attack by crossing his fists together catching Garron's fist. Garron then flipped over and kicked Elder in the face before he slammed both his fists down on Elder's head. Once he did this he landed on the ground and performed a powerful uppercut against Elder causing Elder to stumble a bit.
Garron then began to swing wildly at the Dark Falz as Elder was pushed back by the attack for a bit. Eventually though Elder caught Garron's fist and began holding him back. Elder scoffed at Garron's attempt to fight him before he then pushed Garron back and grabbed his shoulders and slammed his head into Garron. Then to everyone's shock he slammed Garron to the ground and grinded him across the ground tearing it up as he left a trail.
"Garron!" Zed called out as he then began to fire at Elder with Zinnia and Reika sending off techniques which only bounced off the Dark Falz's back as he got back up.
"Is that all you got? Pathetic." Elder said as he wanted a real fight.
"Keep talking crap like that, it only pisses me off!" Garron growled as he grabbed Elder's arm despite being held up in the air by Elder.
Just then Windu, Zinnia, Reika, and Zed all charged in to help Garron as they in turn began to battle Elder. Seeing this Elder relied mainly on his fists for this as it became a four on one. Techniques and photon shots were fired but, Elder managed to handle them all without a scratch.
When this didn't work Zed went up close and personal and began slashing at Elder with his gunblade but Elder proved to be too strong for it. When he tried for a tad bit longer Elder kicked up the ground and punched it at Zed forcing him to slice through it. But alas Elder saw it coming and slammed his fist into Zed sending him flying.
Zed hit a speeder denting it from the impact he made. In turn Zed tried to get back up but his feet failed him in that particular regard here. Zinnia and Reika fired their photon techniques at Elder but Elder managed to tank through them before he punched the two Newman so hard they were sent flying from the attack on them. Following it up was Mace Windu as the last line of defense as he went at, Elder, hoping to put a stop to him here and now. But Elder was proving to be a powerful foe even for him to take on by himself at this moment. Windu's lightsaber met Elder's fists and to his surprise the saber couldn't cut through Elder. They continued to fight with Elder swinging wildly before he stomped his foot down on Windu and then proceeded to disarm him with a well-placed spin kick against the Jedi.
As his Lightsaber went flying away Elder came down with a fist at Windu only for the Jedi Master to use the Force to stop the fist in its tracks. But Windu quickly found himself struggling to hold Elder off as he increased the pressure on the Jedi intent on slaughtering the Jedi he faced. As Windu tried his best to hold his ground even he knew it would not be enough to hold off the Dark Falz before him.
But just them seemingly in the nick of time a game changer made itself known. From nearby Morgan came in as the CAST swung her Partisan down on, Elder, forcing him to jump away from the Jedi. Morgan swung her Partisan a bit as everyone saw that it was odd looking to say the least on it. The blade itself was dull and giving a soft glow as it seemed to be wearing a mask of sorts and covered in chains. The weapon hardly looked powerful but Windu could tell it was just like Arthurs Yozora back during the attack on Coruscant.
"Good I made it just in time." Morgan said as she pointed her Partisan at Elder who growled at Morgan.
"You… you seem strong." Elder said as he glared at Morgan sensing the power the CAST was packing right now.
"All the better to beat you with." Morgan said as she looked at Elder ready to fight a Dark Falz. "Now let's get down to it!" Morgan called out as she then focused her power onto her Partisan causing it to stir from its slumber. The chains rattled as the eyes under the mask began to steadily open with a soft glow. "Now Dash and Rampage beyond the Realms Sleipnir!" Morgan invoked and thus the mask shattered revealing a unicorn like head with a massive blade jutting out from where the horn would normally be. The Chains shattered as the shaft lost the dullness of it to reveal an intricate design of an eight legged horse dashing up a tree of some sort. On the Horse's heads where what looked to be braids no doubt for some unknown purpose as they gave off a neon blue glow of Photonic Power.
Elder in response stepped back in shock to this as he could all but taste the raw power radiating off of both Morgan and her weapon. "A Cosmogenic Arm!?" Elder gasped in shock over what he saw in Morgan's possession.
"Exactly though few in numbers these Cosmogenic Arms are among the strongest weapons in ARK's weapons." Morgan called out as she pointed Sleipnir at Elder in challenge of the powerful Dark Falz standing before her. In response Elder's wings burst out with power as he drew his massive blade ready to do battle against Morgan. Elder then charged as Morgan then took on Elder as the two began their battle. Despite how heavy her Cosmogenic Arm looked Morgan was spinning the weapon around with ease.
Weapon clashed against weapon as both sides proceeded to do battle against each other both intent on winning this fight. As they continued their epic duel it was clear only one of them would be walking out of it in one piece as they kept going at each other. That was until they jumped back away from each other. Now that Morgan had some distance she focused power into her Sleipnir and slashed at the air. The result was a large arch of energy coming at Elder and thus when it hit him he was sent flying back from it. Elder hit the upper wall before Morgan charged at him with her Cosmogenic Arm at the ready to end this.
But Elder was five moves ahead of her as he then blocked the attack and held his ground. Morgan struggled for a bit as she growled at Elder intent on ending him and sealing him away with her Cosmogenic Arm. But As Elder began to snarl he began pushing back Morgan much to her shock as it was clear Elder was trying to overpower the CAST leader from ARK's Ops. Morgan then had an idea and pulled back before she flipped over Elder and spun in the air. She then slashed down with her weapon on Elder's back causing it to appear at the front as well and thus Elder roared out in pain from the surprised attack from Morgan.
Elder stumbled forward a bit as he dropped his weapon before turning to glare at Morgan in pure contempt here. "Dammit… I underestimated one chosen by the Cosmogenic Arms." Elder snarled as he began to revert to his humanoid form. "It won't happen again." Elder said as Morgan had a bad feeling about this event.
"You've lost Elder surrender." Windu said and thus Elder snarled at the Jedi Master here.
"Never we Dark Falz don't surrender we consume!" He called out and regained his footing for what would come next. In turn Elder began to charge power drawing all mater of darkness to him making Morgan go wide eyed to this.
"Evacuate the city now!" Morgan called out as Elder was charging up power.
"What?!" Cham asked in shock but Zinnia was the first to speak on this particular matter.
"Elder he's taking off the kid gloves, we need to evacuate the people first and foremost." Zinnia said as she was more worried for the people then the city here.
"How bad is it?" Mace asked and thus Zed spoke up.
"We're going to need more cruisers, bad." Zed said and thus Windu knew they had to hurry and get out of the capital city. In turn they began to run for it knowing if they stayed they'd be dead as they even saw Falspawn flying torts Elder. The dark power he summoned grew larger and stronger with each second giving them less time to escape the city of Lessu.
"All troops fall back!" Windu ordered and thus everyone began to run for it because whatever Elder was about to do it was going to be huge and quiet destructive.
(Scene Break Later Upper Orbit)
As the Republic and ARK's ships gathered over Ryloth all of a sudden a pillar of dark energy shot up into space parting the clouds in the energy's shape. As it continued to flow out a massive arm began to leave the planet itself followed by what appeared to be a massive body of some creature. As it rose higher all the ARK's Ops were horrified over what they saw.
The creature climbed out of the planet as Falspawn formed around it helping it take form. Eventually it fully formed and flew out of Ryloth and into open space where the combined fleets saw the monster. This was the truth of the Dark Falz its truest physical form, this was Dark Falz [Elder] the Gargantuan. And now that he was fully awoken the final battle for Ryloth was about to begin.
(Arthur)
Arthurs saw this from his command ship as he knew this was not going to be easy for anyone. He already had ships deployed for a mass evacuation of the immediate area of Elder's awakening. Seeing this he went to ARK's primary channel's for Alerts and thus contacted all of ARK's. "All ARK's Operatives this is an Omega Level Alert I repeat an Omega Level Alert has been issued. Dark Falz Elder has awoken into his true form all available ARK's Operatives are to gather what they need and prepare for a counter offensive against Dark Falz Elder." Arthur ordered as he knew it was time to gather and act.
"I repeat all ARK's Operatives prepare for battle we are going to war against Elder!" Arthur ordered and thus knew he had to gather what they can for a War Council because Elder was not one to be underestimated. Now that Elder had awoken to his full power ARK's was going to war against Dark Falz Elder.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well sorry it took me so long to get this published so I hope you all enjoy it. The next chapter will be the assault against Dark Falz [Elder] The Gargantuan so look forward to that. Now then please leave a review before any of you leave and as I always say here Ja-Ne.